Deter Geese

Overabundant Canada geese can cause problems because of their droppings, destruction of crops, gardens and lawns, and aggressive behavior. Canada geese can become more aggressive when they breed and nest in spring and summer. This is when the birds often come into conflict with people in urban areas.

Developers have created the perfect habitat for geese in areas with small ponds, gently sloping banks, and nicely groomed lawns. If you want to lower goose numbers in your area, you need to create a habitat that is not attractive to the geese.

Growing tall grasses, cattails or shrubs along the water creates a natural barrier for geese. Although geese can fly over these barriers, they often will move to a more appealing area. Biologists suggest planting a 20-foot to 30-foot strip of land along the water’s edge with native grasses and wildflowers, dense shrubs or ivy.

In some cases scaring the geese can deter them from staying or nesting in an area. You can also scare away geese by clapping your hands or chasing them, or even allowing Mylar balloons to sway in the wind a few feet off the ground. This practice usually works best when you do it before the geese become used to the area.

It is illegal to disturb or destroy nesting geese without a special permit.